E-readers a hit at Tinley Park Library

Library bought and preloaded 6 Nooks, allowing patrons to check them out for 2 weeks at a time

July 31, 2011

The Tinley Park Library has discovered more technology is what patrons are looking for after introducing e-readers to its catalog.

In June, the library invested in three Barnes & Noble Nooks. The portable reading devices are preloaded with more than 40 popular titles, and patrons can check them out for two weeks at a time.

Because of the strong initial response, the library quickly bought three more Nooks, said Adult Reference Librarian Paul Klain. About two months into the program, however, 97 people are in line to try them out.

"It's improved our visibility in the community in a couple of different ways," he said.

The library is attracting a younger demographic with the Nook, he said, but seniors like them too, mostly because they can increase the font size on the screen.

The library also rolled out a mobile app earlier this summer to allow patrons to search the library's catalog from their smartphones.